Primitive Camping is defined as overnight camping where all equipment is transported in limited trips by non-motorized vehicle methods and where a motorized vehicle is not located near or part of the camping experience.
Download a PDF factsheet on back country primitive camping in state forests and a brochure describing Motorized and Primitive Camping Guidelines & Ethics.
For detailed maps of each district or to contact a district vist Find a Forest.
Motorized Camping is defined as overnight camping in or near the vehicle where the vehicle continues to be used for storage or transportation.
For a brochure on motorized camping in state forests please visit Motorized Camping.
Camping has become an increasingly popular activity on state forest lands. With that increased popularity we all share in the responsibilty to help maintain the wild nature of our forests for future visitors.
Motorized Camping Ethics
| * | When planning and prior to your camping trip, you must: check with the local forest district office to determine where to camp or if designated dispersed sites are available; acquire a Camping Permit; have knowledge of the regulations and, tell someone of your trip plans. There is no fee for the Camping Permit. A Camping Permit will not be issued to anyone under the age of 18. |
| * | The campsite must be within 300 feet of a road open to public travel or a trail designated for motorized use. Vehicles may not be driven more than 50 feet from the traveled portion of the road or trail. Make sure it is a well-drained area and where you don’t need to clear vegetation. Keep your campsite small. |
| * | All camping within 300 feet from any building, Natural Area or State Forest Picnic Area requires the written authorization from the District Forester or designee, in addition to a Camping Permit. |
| * | All camping must be more than one road-mile from an entrance to a State Park having camping facilities or from a commercial campground. |
| * | All camping should be at least 200 feet from any stream or other open water source. |
| * | SOME STATE FOREST CAMPSITES WILL NOT ACCOMODATE LARGE CAMPING UNITS |
| * | There are no modern facilities, water, dump stations or utility hook-ups on State Forest lands. |
| * | Deposit solid human waste in cat holes dug 4-6 inches deep at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the cat hole when finished. Self-contained portable toilets are encouraged and may be required to be used at designated dispersed campsites. |
| * | Use of camp stoves is encouraged. Small campfires for cooking and warming purposes are permitted EXCEPT when the fire danger is high, very high or extreme and from March 1 to May 25 and from October 1 to December 1, unless authorized on the camping permit. Put your fire OUT COLD and scatter the stone fire rings at “new”, non-designated dispersed campsites before leaving. Leave stone fire rings intact at established and designated dispersed campsites. Check with the local Forest District Office and the County Burn Ban site to make sure open fires are permitted. |
| * | Only downed and dead wood within the immediate campsite may be gathered for firewood. Collect only the amount needed for your stay. Power saws are not permitted without a Fuelwood Permit. |
| * | Wash yourself, your dishes and your clothes using a container. Washing in a spring, lake or waterway is prohibited. Dispose of waste water at least 200 feet from water resources. |
| * | A Camping Permit will be valid for no more than seven consecutive nights and will be issued no more than 90 days in advance. |
| * | If more than 10 people are in your group, a Letter of Authorization is required, in addition to a camping permit, from the District Forester 30 days prior to the date of camping. |
| * | Respect other visitors and let nature’s sounds prevail. If you bring pets, keep them quiet and under control at all times. |
| * | Horses may not be tied to trees. |
| * | Horse manure may be required to be removed from campsites. Otherwise, manure must be scattered at least 100 feet from the campsite. |
| * | All trash and refuse must be carried out. Leave the camping area better than you found it. |
Group Camping is defined as more than 10 people in a unit, overnight motorized or primitive camping. A Letter of Authorization must first be obtained from a state forest's district forester. A Camping Permit and Letter of Authorization are issued to the group.
For detailed maps of each state forest or to contact a state forest office visit Find a Forest.
There is no fee for a Camping Permit
Camping Permits - Primitive campers spending no more than one night at a campsite do not need a Camping Permit. However, a Camping Permit is required if:
- You desire an emergency point-of-contact.
- You stay at a campsite more than one night.
- A campfire is desired during spring or fall fire seasons. You must obtain permission from the District Forester to have a campfire from March 1 through May 25, and from October 1 through December 1. No campfires are permitted when the District Forester determines the forest fire danger to be High, Very High or Extreme.
- You camp using a vehicle for storage or transportation.
- You are "group camping".
- You camp within the Pine Creek Gorge in Tiadaghton or Tioga State Forests.
- If you are interested in camping on State Forests lands, choose a State Forest you are interested in, and contact the district office to determine where to camp or if designated campsites are available. The district office will issue a camping permit, if needed.
Some state forests accept camping permit requests online. These requests are not the permits themselves, the permits will be mailed from the forestry office to the person making the request. All camping permits are distributed on a first come-first served basis.
Permits can not be requested more than 90 days in advance of the dates requested and are limited to seven day requests.
For online permit requests click here.
